Native Islander will be jumping rope for charity in the NYC Half Marathon

When Shannon Kay competes in the New York City Half Marathon next month, she’ll be doing it in an unexpected way.

Photo Courtesy of Shannon KayNative Staten Islander Shannon Kay is preparing to jump rope in the New York City Half Marathon next month and the ING New York City Marathon in November.

The Staten Island native will be jumping rope throughout the 13.1 mile race, which will take her from Manhattan’s Central Park to the South Street Seaport. She intends to repeat the novel racing method during the ING New York City Marathon in November.

“I taught myself [to jump rope]. I’ve always been a fitness fanatic,” said the 28-year-old who grew up in Arden Heights and graduated from Tottenville High School.

“Anyone can do it. It just takes time and dedication,” Ms. Kay continued. “It’s challenging and you never stop. Once you reach one level, there are different levels you can achieve jumping rope.”

An executive in legal recruiting, she currently lives and works in Manhattan and began jumping rope about six years ago. Ms. Kay took a boxing class that incorporated the practice and was admittedly “one of the worst people in the class.”

Always up for a challenge, she dedicated five days a week to jumping rope until her speed increased and she could perform tricks. But when she began to get bored, Ms. Kay picked up the pace even further and started to practice jump rope running.

“I love jumping rope, and after completing two marathons [in 2009 and 2011], I wanted to reach a new goal for myself. I figured, why not combine the two?,” she said.

FUND-RAISING EFFORT

For both the half marathon on March 18 and the marathon on Nov. 4, she’ll be jumping rope for causes that are close to her heart. The first race will benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation; Ms. Kay is running in honor of a friend who has the blood cancer.

Additionally, she is hosting two jump rope classes this Saturday at Frequency Fitness Studios in Tottenville to raise funds for the foundation. The noon session will be a basic-level class, with an advanced boot camp class following at 1 p.m. Both are open to the public; cost is $12 per class for gym members and $15 for non-members.

Ms. Kay will be running the marathon for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation in honor of a friend who suffered a spinal cord injury while swimming several years back.

Although she doesn’t have a set goal for either, Ms. Kay hopes to raise “tens of thousands” of dollars for the organizations.

“It’s very important to take care of yourself and help others,” she noted. “There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to help loved ones and people in the community.”

In the time leading up to the races, people may catch a glimpse of Ms. Kay jumping rope through the streets of Midtown Manhattan, where she practices on her lunch break — careful to avoid oncoming traffic and pedestrians on the sidewalk. On the weekends, Central Park is her preferred practice spot.

“It’s not easy; I have to put in the time,” she said, insisting, “It’s definitely rewarding. If you’re dedicated, you can do it.”

For more information on Ms. Kay, visit thatjumpropegirl.com.

Andrea Boyarsky is the Health editor for the Advance. She may be reached at boyarsky@siadvance.com.